The festive season is upon us once more! White untouched snowy landscapes, Wintery Sunday afternoons in front of the fireplace, searching for the best Christmas presents, ... Winter brings a lot with it and, among other things, the fairytale feeling you get from visiting the best Christmas markets in Europe.
If you go on a winter road trip in a motorhome or campervan make sure you don’t miss these amazing Christmas markets along the way.
Christmas market in Salzburg, Austria
This Christmas market held in Salzburg, affectionately called "Christkindlmarkt" by the Austrians, is one of the most beautiful and oldest Christmas markets in the world.
It's all of the traditional charm of the stalls that draws countless visitors to Mozart's birthplace every year. Especially in winter, Austria is a beautiful destination, especially for skiing.
Address:
Salzburg Christmas Market
Old Town Salzburg
5020 Salzburg
Opening hours:
Starts on the 23rd of November 2017 and ends on the 26th of December 2017
Monday to Thursday from 10am to 8.30pm
Friday from 10am to 9pm
Saturday from 9am to 9pm
Sundays and public holidays from 9 am to 8.30 pm
Christmas market in Basel, Switzerland
It is one of the biggest but also the most beautiful Christmas markets in Switzerland. Basel also attracts many visitors through the many events during the Christmas season. The markets held at Barfüsserplatz and the Cathedral Square
Basels Christmas market shines out with its magical decorations and charming central location. The Christmas tree, which dominates the market and can’t be missed is decorated by the well-known artist Johann Wanner.
With over 180 stalls you will undoubtedly find the ideal Christmas gifts at the Basel Christmas market. Just don’t forget you have to pay with Swiss francs here.
Address:
Barfusserplatz
4010 Basel
Switzerland
Opening hours:
From 23rd November to 23rd December 2017, open daily from 11am to 8.30pm (be aware that opening hours may vary on 23rd December).
Historic Christmas Market in Hamburg on the Rathausplatz
The Christmas market in Hamburg is one of the best known in Germany and is known for its many handmade gifts. The historic town hall in the background also gives it a unique atmosphere. Every year almost three million visitors come to visit the Hamburg market. The highlight and unforgettable feature of the market is it’s flying Santa Claus.
He takes off into the sky on his sled every day at 16.00, 18.00 and 20.00 so don’t miss it!
If you have never been to Hamburg either, you should definitely take time to visit the city. Just visit Hamburg with a motorhome and maybe even take a trip to Germany.
Address:
Rathausmarkt Hamburg
Opening hours:
From 27th November to 23rd December, daily from 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday until 10pm.
Christmas market in Santa Llucia, Barcelona
The Christmas Market is located in front of the Cathedral of Barcelona and hosts over 250 stalls each year. If you enjoy Christmas cribs, you should definitely take a look at the inner courtyard of the cathedral, where a crib with life-size figures awaits. Of course, candles, fir trees and Christmas decorations are sold on this market as well as Spanish Christmas cookies “Polvorones”, a dry pastry made of honey and almonds. In Barcelona, mulled wine isn’t as popular in comparison to other markets, but you can still drink the Estrella beer in winter.
If you want to visit Catalonia in a motorhome or campervan then Barcelona is certainly a great start.
Address:
Barcelona - Carrer Paradís, 3
Opening hours:
From 26th November to 23rd December, Monday to Friday 10:30 to 20:30 and on weekends 10:30 to 21:30.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London
Anyone who has visited London before Christmas knows the winter magic of this metropolis! Also magical is the Christmas market in London, which at the same time resembles a fair.
There are many different activities such as a Ferris wheel, a skating rink or circus shows - there is something for all ages!
The experience is rounded off by a traditional Christmas market, where you will find, among other things, Christmas treats as well as great Christmas gift ideas.
A trip to London with camper, motorhome or van is well worth it. We recommend renting the vehicle by private individuals.
Address:
Hyde Park, London W2 2UH, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
From 17/11/2017 until 01/01/2018 from 10:00 until 22:00 (Except on 25 December).
It’s Christmas time in Strasbourg - France's oldest Christmas market
It is widely known that the Christmas market in Strasbourg is one of the most beautiful in Europe. People in Strasbourg, affectionately call it "Christkindelsmärik" and it is France's oldest Christmas market.
With the season, everyone wants to know how to make a perfect mulled wine this will be the perfect place to adapt your tastebuds! This is the perfect place for a glass of traditional mulled wine and delicious roasted almonds. Through its numerous exhibitions during the Advent season there is so much to discover for the whole family. Well, fancy a cheap trip to Strasbourg?
Address:
On several squares (for example Münsterplatz and Broglieplatz) in the middle of Strasbourg's old town.
Opening hours:
From 24/11/2017 to 24/12/2017, Friday and Saturday 11:00 to 21:00, Sunday to Thursday 11:00 to 20:00. Christmas Eve from 11:00 to 18:00
Winter wonderland - Brussels’ magical Christmas market
The city center Christmas market has a lot to offer with over 240 stalls. As a visitor, there are of course many things to discover in the city. Of course it is always a bit colder in the north, but you might have the chance to see some amazing Christmas snow!
Address:
Grand Place 1000, Brussels
Opening hours:
From 24th November 2017 to 31st December 2017
Christmas market Fluweelengrotte, The Netherlands
Well, fancy a Christmas market in a grotto? We think the idea is great and recommend a trip to the Netherlands where you will discover murals and sculptures. The Christmas market is especially inviting due to its warm atmosphere and therefore attracts many tourists each year. Please note that your four-legged friends are unfortunately not allowed.
Remember to book your tickets online in advance.
Address:
Daalhemerweg 27, 6301 BJ Valkenburg, Netherlands
Opening hours:
From 17 November 2017 to 23 December 2017, Sunday to Thursday 10:00 to 19:00, Friday and Saturday 10:00 to 20:00.
Saturday 23rd December from 10:00 to 18:00.
Winter lights in the heart of the city of Luxembourg
If you prefer a cozy Christmas market atmosphere, this is the place for you. Among other things, wooden chalets await you, offering something exciting for everyone - be it Christmas baubles, candles or gingerbread hearts. The Luxembourg Christmas market is musically accompanied every day and, of course, like most Christmas markets, offers delicious mulled wine.
So if you too want to come to Luxembourg to visit Winterlights in a motorhome, van or camper, here is where you can go:
Address:
Place d'Armes and Place de la Constitution in Luxembourg
Opening hours:
From 23rd November 2017 to 24th December 2017, daily from 10:30 to 20:00. On Friday and Saturday, the Christmas market is even open until 22:00.
Italy's biggest Christmas market in Bolzano
Bolzano is one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations thanks to its magnificent Christmas market. There you will come across an abundance of traditional products, such as Christmas decorations and mulled wine. For just over a month, a beautiful Christmas scent fills Bolzano's alleys and streets. Going to the Christmas market in Bolzano will ensure a magical family excursion, with the old and young! Incidentally, Bolzano is right on the borders of Austria and Switzerland. We recommend a motorhome trip through Italy, Austria and Switzerland.
Here is what you should know before your motorhome trip in Italy.
Address:
Waltherplatz, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
Opening hours:
From 24 November 2017 to 6 January 2018 daily from 10:00 to 19:00. On Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and New Year the opening hours may vary.
Christmas market Jogos Santa Casa in Lisbon
In Lisbon, there are many different Christmas markets, which of course are all high on the recommended list! But the most beautiful one probably is the "Wonderland Lisboa". Here, a huge lit Christmas tree awaits you and many attractions for children and adults, such as an ice skating rink.
The streets of Lisbon are all adorned with fairy lights, which is why the Christmas spirit in the evening is magical. Anyone who is wondering where to eat chestnuts at Christmas time should look no further! Of course, there you will also find many Portuguese delicacies. The mulled wine must not to be missed here! Many Germans leave their winter behind for the much warmer climate of Portugal.
Address:
Parque Eduardo VII, Lisbon
Opening hours:
From 1 December 2017 to 1 January 2018, every day from 14:00 to 22:00. Saturdays and holidays from 10:00 to midnight. On Sunday until 22:00. At Christmas, the opening hours may vary.
In our opinion, these are the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, although we are sure that the list could be expanded as time goes on.
Perhaps you have your absolute favorite Christmas market, which is still missing here? If so, then please let us know in a comment.
All Christmas markets can best be reached and discovered with a motorhome. So that you can find the right vehicle, Yescapa, Europe's largest platform for motorhome rentals between individuals, is there for you!
We wish you a Merry Christmas!
Felicia H
To go further
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is one of Europe’s top destinations to visit. Lisbon is a lively and colourful capital with an authentic charm and is ideal for those who like to stroll the streets. If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Lisbon, just remember the city averages 290 sunny days a year. However it’s best to book for September or October as you’ll find cheap flights to Lisbon and avoid the peak of the tourist season. Lisbon is also known as a Barista city, birthplace of Fado (traditional Portuguese folk music). For this article we’ll look at some of the best places to visit in Lisbon and the top things to do while you’re there.